Here’s a revised version of the story, avoiding repetition while maintaining clarity and flow: --- **Minority in Parliament Demands Vice President’s Involvement in the 2025 Budget Debate** The Minority in Parliament is calling for Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang to participate in the debate on the 2025 Budget next Tuesday. The demand was made by the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Boamah, during the presentation of the Business Statement for the upcoming week. Mr. Boamah emphasized that the Vice President’s extensive experience in the education sector should be reflected in the government's economic and financial policies. He argued that her contributions would offer valuable insights, given her background and expertise. “Given her significant experience in the education sector, it is crucial for the Vice President to take part in this debate. Her input could significantly shape the direction of the government’s economic policies,” Boamah remarked. In addition to advocating for the Vice President’s involvement in the debate, Mr. Boamah raised concerns over the ongoing electricity crisis. He pointed out that the Business Statement had not addressed the frequent power outages affecting several regions across the country. He referred to the scheduled outages by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) on March 11 and 12, which impacted regions such as Ashanti, Volta, Greater Accra, and Tema. Furthermore, unscheduled blackouts lasting up to 24 hours were reported, putting additional strain on households already struggling with power supply issues. “Mr. Speaker, I was expecting the Honourable Member who presented the Business Statement to address the electricity situation, as it is a pressing issue. The scheduled outages, along with unscheduled blackouts, have compounded the difficulties faced by many Ghanaians,” Boamah stated. Boamah also referenced Act 111 of the Constitution, which grants the Vice President, as a Deputy Minister and now a Member of Parliament, the right to participate in parliamentary proceedings. He stressed that, under this provision, the Vice President should be accorded all the privileges of an MP, except for holding an office in Parliament. “Mr. Speaker, I realise the Business Committee has allocated time for ministers of state, but the Vice President’s absence is concerning. Given her background in education and as the former Minister for Education, her participation in this debate is vital. She is well-positioned to provide valuable insights into the President’s policies,” he explained. Mr. Boamah urged the Business Committee to amend the Business Statement to allocate time for Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang to participate in the debate. He stressed the importance of her presence, particularly as the first female Vice President of the country, who has sworn an oath under the Constitution to engage in such proceedings. “Mr. Speaker, I call on the Business Committee to revise the schedule and ensure that the Vice President is included in the debate. She swore an oath to participate in parliamentary affairs, and it is crucial for her to be here, especially as her contributions will bring unique insights into the 2025 Budget,” Boamah concluded. “Mr. Speaker, we want her to be here.” --- This version is now more concise and avoids repeating the same information while ensuring all the key points are clearly communicated. Let me know if you need any further changes!
